What salary are you happy with these days?

[RS93]

The cost of living seems to regularly increase, and we all live to our means in a way...but what salary are you happy on? Some decide to take a pay decrease for a less stressful job but then of course may be able to afford the nicer things in life..

I seem to sit around the mid 30s..per year, if I want more I need to get chartered (surveying) but unsure whether the additional income is worth the added pressure / responsibilities at present..

I’ve got friends who are on 45-50k but don’t seem any happier, just eat out at more expensive places, more expensive clothes...cars..holidays etc. Work with a lot of site managers who are on 60-70k + a year but seem miserable as anything..

Not entirely sure what I’m trying to say , but keen to hear other people’s thoughts whether you chase the money and are happy doing this or whether you settle for a less paid job that’s more rewarding and your happy?

[RS93]

W201_190e said:

I'm on circa £30k. Married, mortgage, wife earns about two thirds of what I do. No kids and no plans to have any. Combined we have about £1100 spare a month after everything. Happy with that to be honest.

I'm sure my wage wouldn't cover other people's bills, it's all relative.

All the miserable people I know earn more than me! Just a thought...

Edited by W201_190e on Sunday 18th October 10:22

Edited by W201_190e on Sunday 18th October 10:23

Very similar situation...thanks for sharing, its interesting to hear others experiences.

[RS93]

Drezza said:

I'm very comfortable on what I earn now £30k @ 25, about to move to £35k when my promotion goes through. I was thinking recently how stressed my line manager is, even for £100k I wouldn't think it's worth that, working from 8am-8pm whilst I do 9am - 4pm. I don't think I'll apply for any more promotions from now on as it would mean a managerial role which I have no desire to to whatsoever.

Thanks for sharing, I'm similar age (27) ...council based so typically 9-4.. interesting to hear other peoples perception, progress for me would mean managerial or changing to a private firm to do APC route to chartership which in no rush to at the moment. Maybe 1 day!

[RS93]

rxe said:

Enjoying what you do is the important thing. However, saying money doesn’t matter is ignoring reality. Thankfully I’ve found a job that genuinely interests me and pays well. No idea how old you are, but the important thing is the ability to progress. If you’re in a job that has zero opportunity to progress, and doesn’t pay well, that would be a problem.

Thanks for reply -i'm 27.. no great deal to progress (council based)..so unless i want to go into management to the role is likely to stay the same. Role is tier bracket based so max would be 38k..once been there a long time..